As an English teacher and writer, I’ve noticed even native speakers often hesitate when choosing between Who Else and Whom Else. That hesitation is rooted in an ongoing debate about formal correctness versus natural flow. I remember once drafting an email three times just to decide whether “To who else should I send this” felt a bit off.
That confusion only multiplies when grammar collides with instinct. One version sounds more correct in writing, but in modern usage, casual speech often takes over. In those moments, context quietly takes the lead, reminding us that communication isn’t always about following an article full of rigid rules.
From my experience, what matters most is demystifying the grammatical logic behind everyday choices and exploring real patterns in language. People are constantly evolving, and while rules exist, we tend to use what feels right. The textbook way of applying rules doesn’t always work naturally in the real-world, so practice helps when we’re unsure.
In fact, I’ve tested phrases out loud in conversation, letting the sentence breathe to check if it would sound like something I’d actually say. That’s when grammar moves from theory into life—where correctness meets clarity and personal instinct.
The Grammar Foundation: Who vs. Whom
The best way to master who else and whom else is to start with the basics: understanding the difference between who and whom.
Subject and Object Pronouns
- Subject pronouns perform the action in a sentence. Examples: I, he, she, we, they, who.
- Object pronouns receive the action. Examples: me, him, her, us, them, whom.
Here’s a quick refresher:
| Role | Pronoun Example | Sentence Example |
| Subject | who | Who is leading the project? |
| Object | whom | You spoke to whom yesterday? |
Simple Trick: He/She vs. Him/Her
A classic grammar tip can save you every time:
- If you can replace it with he or she, use who.
- If you can replace it with him or her, use whom.
Example:
- Who/Whom is calling? → He is calling → Correct: Who is calling?
- To who/whom should I send this file? → I should send it to him → Correct: To whom should I send this file?
This little test works just as well when “else” is added.
Understanding “Who Else” and “Whom Else”
Adding else after “who” or “whom” doesn’t change the core rule, but it does make the sentence feel less straightforward.
- Who else is correct when the pronoun is the subject.
- Whom else is correct when the pronoun is the object.
Examples
- Who else is joining the team?(subject)
- Whom else should we invite to the panel?(object)
A lot of English speakers mistakenly say who else even when whom else is technically correct. That’s because “whom” feels stiff and formal in modern usage. We’ll explore that shift later.
Spotting the Subject vs. Object in Questions
One of the hardest parts is figuring out whether “who else” or “whom else” is the subject or the object in a sentence. Let’s break it down step by step.
Quick Strategy
- Identify the verb (the action).
- Ask: Is the “who/whom” doing the action or receiving it?
- Apply the he/him test.
Table of Common Sentences
| Sentence | Correct or Incorrect | Explanation |
| Who else wants coffee? | âś… Correct | Subject (who wants). |
| Whom else wants coffee? | ❌ Incorrect | “Whom” cannot be subject. |
| Whom else should I trust? | ✅ Correct | Object of “trust.” |
| Who else should I trust? | ❌ Incorrect (in formal writing) | “Who” is wrong as object. |
| Who else can explain this? | âś… Correct | Subject doing the action. |
| To whom else did you speak? | ✅ Correct | Object of the preposition “to.” |
Notice how context matters. In casual speech, most people say Who else should I trust? even though Whom else should I trust? is the formal choice.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
English learners and even advanced speakers make recurring mistakes with “who else” and “whom else.” Let’s clear them up.
Mistake 1: Thinking “whom” is always more correct
Some writers assume “whom” is the proper choice in every sentence. But that leads to awkward errors like:
- Whom else is coming tonight? (wrong, because it’s the subject).
Mistake 2: Avoiding “whom” entirely
Others skip “whom” altogether, worried they’ll misuse it. While conversational English often drops “whom,” avoiding it in professional or academic contexts can weaken your writing.
Mistake 3: Overcorrection in formal settings
Trying too hard to sound correct, people sometimes force whom where it doesn’t belong. Overcorrection often makes sentences clunky.
👉 Rule of thumb: Don’t ditch whom completely, but use it only when the grammar calls for it.
Language Evolution: Is “Whom” Disappearing?
The truth is, whom is slowly fading from American English.
A Brief History
- In Old English, pronouns followed strict case rules.
- Over centuries, many forms disappeared, but whom survived as the object case of who.
- By the 20th century, linguists noticed a decline in everyday use.
Today’s Trend
- In formal settings (law, academia, official documents), whom is still expected.
- In casual conversation, social media, and texting, who usually replaces whom.
Example of evolving use:
- Traditional: To whom else should I send this proposal?
- Modern casual: Who else should I send this proposal to?
Why the Change?
- English speakers prefer simplicity.
- Spoken English influences written English more than ever.
- Informal communication dominates—emails, DMs, text messages.
Linguist Geoffrey Pullum has argued that “whom” is in “terminal decline” except in fixed phrases like to whom it may concern.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
The choice between who else and whom else often comes down to context.
When to Use “Whom Else” (Formal)
- Academic papers
- Legal documents
- Business emails to superiors
- Professional or scholarly publications
Example:
- To whom else should we address this issue in the quarterly report?
When “Who Else” Works (Informal)
- Casual conversations
- Social media posts
- Text messages
- Everyday emails
Example:
- Who else wants to grab lunch?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Context | Preferred Form | Example |
| Formal academic essay | Whom else | Whom else did the researchers interview? |
| Workplace email to boss | Whom else | To whom else should I forward this data? |
| Chat with a friend | Who else | Who else is coming to the party? |
| Casual classroom discussion | Who else | Who else finished the assignment? |
Real-World Examples in Action
Let’s see how who else and whom else appear in real settings.
In Education
- A teacher in class: Who else knows the answer?
- A professor in a paper review: To whom else should these findings be attributed?
In the Workplace
- During a meeting: Who else can contribute ideas?
- In an email: Please let me know to whom else this report should be sent.
In Daily Conversation
- At a party: Who else is on the guest list?
- Among friends: Who else wants to watch a movie?
Mini Case Study
Scenario: A graduate student is preparing a formal research proposal.
- Informal draft: Who else should I send this to?
- Corrected formal draft: To whom else should I send this proposal?
Both versions are understood. But in an academic setting, the second one signals polish and professionalism.
Quick Tips for Remembering the Rule
Grammar doesn’t have to be painful. Here are practical tips you can use right away.
- Use the he/him test. Replace “who/whom” with “he/him” or “she/her.”
- Check the verb. If the pronoun is doing the action → use who. If receiving → use whom.
- Mind the prepositions. If it follows “to,” “with,” “for,” etc., you likely need whom.
- Be mindful of formality. In casual speech, who else usually works fine. In formal writing, choose whom else if it’s the object.
Printable Cheat Sheet
| Use Case | Correct Form | Example |
| Subject of a sentence | Who else | Who else wants pizza? |
| Object of a verb | Whom else | Whom else should we invite? |
| After a preposition | Whom else | To whom else should I give credit? |
Conclusion
When it comes to Who Else or Whom Else, the choice often depends on whether you value formal correctness or the natural flow of speech. In strict grammar, Whom Else is the technically correct version in certain contexts, especially after prepositions. However, in modern usage, even native speakers usually say Who Else, because it feels right and sounds natural in everyday conversation.
The rules exist, but language keeps evolving, and people often choose what works in real-world practice rather than sticking to rigid patterns.
FAQs
Q1: Which one is grammatically correct — Who Else or Whom Else?
A1: Whom Else is correct in very formal writing, but Who Else is more common in both casual and professional contexts.
Q2: Can I use Who Else in formal writing?
A2: Yes, while some may point out that Whom Else is technically correct, using Who Else will not confuse readers and is widely accepted.
Q3: Why do native speakers prefer Who Else?
A3: Because it matches the natural flow of speech and feels more instinctive than the stiff textbook alternative.
Q4: Should I avoid Whom Else completely?
A4: Not necessarily. Use Whom Else if you’re writing something very formal, like an academic paper, but otherwise, Who Else is safer.
Q5: How can I know which one to use?
A5: Try reading the sentence aloud. If it sounds natural, you’re likely making the right choice.
